 | November 10, 2009 | Green tea may help protect against oral cancer | | An article published in the November 2009 issue of Cancer Prevention Research suggests a protective effect from green tea against the progression of oral lesions that are at high risk of developing into cancer. A team led by Vassiliki Papadimitrakopoulo, MD, who is a professor of medicine at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center's Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, randomized 41 patients with oral premalignant lesions to receive one of three concentrations of a green tea extract or a placebo three times daily for 12 weeks. Biopsies were conducted prior to and at the end of the treatment period. Among participants who received the two highest concentrations of green tea extract, 58.8 percent showed partial clinical responses, defined as improvement in degree of maturation of epithelium with no new lesions or progression, while complete or partial responses were observed in 36.4 percent of those who received the lowest extract dose and 18.2 percent of those who received the placebo. Subjects who received green tea also tended to have improvements in biomarkers that may predict the development of cancer. Overall, green tea extract proved to be safe and well tolerated. At the conclusion of an extended follow-up up period averaging 27.5 months, 15 participants had developed oral cancer. Although no overall difference was observed between the incidence of oral cancer in those who received green tea extract and those who didn't, a longer time to the development of oral cancer occurred among those in the green tea groups who had mild to moderate dysplasia. The trial is the first to test the effects of green tea as a cancer preventive among those with oral premalignant lesions. "The goal of this kind of research is to determine whether or not these supplements have long-term prevention effects." Dr Papadimitrakopoulou remarked. "More research including studies in which individuals at high risk are exposed to these supplements for a longer time period is still needed to answer that sort of question." "Collecting oral tissue biopsies was essential in that it allowed us to learn that not only did the green tea extract appear to have a benefit for some patients, but we pointed to antiangiogenic effects as a potential mechanism of action," first author Anne Tsao, MD observed. "While preliminary because our patient population was so small, this gives us direction for further study." "The extract's lack of toxicity is attractive," Dr Papadimitrakopoulou added. "In prevention trials, it's very important to remember that these are otherwise healthy individuals and we need to ensure that agents studied produce no harm." | |  |  | | Complementary alternative medical therapies (CAM) is a collective term for an array of remedies that lie outside what is traditionally considered conventional medical treatment for cancer. These include the use of herbal, vitamin, and nutritional supplements, as well as physical and psychological interventions such as exercise, relaxation, massage, prayer, hypnotherapy, and acupuncture (Deng G et al 2005; Hann D et al 2005; Molassiotis A et al 2005). Natural strategies known to prevent the development and progression of cancer include: - Calcium
- Carotenoids
- Curcumin
- Garlic
- Green and black teas
- Folic acid
- Melatonin
- Selenium
- Silymarin
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
Catechins and theaflavins, compounds found in green and black teas, have anticancer properties (Yang CS et al 2005). Clinical studies have shown that consuming five or more cups a day of green tea reduces the risk of developing breast cancer, and may help reduce the risk of recurrence in breast cancer survivors (Seely D et al 2005). Consumption of green tea also significantly improves the survival of ovarian cancer patients (Zhang M et al 2004) and reduces the risk of developing cancers of the lung, breast, and prostate (Bonner MR et al 2005; Doss MX et al 2005). Such is the strength of data demonstrating green tea’s potential in preventing cancer that Japanese researchers are trying to develop a strategy, based on green tea consumption, for delaying cancer onset in the Japanese population, as well as reducing the risk of recurrence in cancer survivors (Fujiki H 2005). | 
Rediscover life! Unwind and enjoy precious moments with family and friends in a five-star resort that feels like a home away from home. Come to Mexico's Riviera Maya and stay in the Royal Haciendas! Special offer for Life Extension members: One week in a luxury junior suite starting from $599.00 US (occupancy for 2).** Offer valid until December 18, 2009, subject to availability. Reserve today: call 1-800-791-4403 toll free in the US and Canada, 8 am to 8 pm CT. *Taxes are not included. Subject to availability. Copyright 2009 Royal Resorts. All rights reserved. *LEVacations is an independent company that offers travel services (see www.lifeextension.comhttps://www.lifeextension.com/lpages/rewards) to Life Extension members. ** Rates based on new reservations only. | |  | Younger You, by Eric R. Braverman, MD
 | | In the constant battle to stay young and feel fit, we will try any of the quick fixes that come on the market, including so-called miracle products, fad diets, trendy exercise programs, and untested supplements. Many even risk elective surgical procedures just to look young again. But you don't need surgery, pricey cosmetics, or starvation to look and feel 15 years younger. Dr Eric Braverman, a leading expert in antiaging medicine, has skillfully combined conventional wisdom with his unique knowledge of the workings of the brain to unravel the mystery of what makes us age and how disease in one area affects the entire body. By identifying the distinct parts of your body that are aging most rapidly, you can crack your own aging code and turn back time. Serious health conditions including heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, depression, and even Alzheimer's disease can be preventable. And the most subtle signs and signals of aging such as obesity, wrinkles, age spots, deteriorating strength, and diminished libido can be delayed and even reversed. Dr. Braverman gives you all the information you need to break your own aging code and start living a healthier, longer life now. | | |  | If you’re one of more than 72 million people in America who use a computer daily at work, you’re familiar with eye fatigue. Staring at a fixed-distance object such as a computer screen for a long period of time can cause the muscles that focus your eyes (the ciliary body) to tire or go into spasm. This can result in physical symptoms such as head discomfort, sensitivity to glare, fatigue, soreness, dryness and blurry vision. Super Zeaxanthin contains a potent dose of astaxanthin, a carotenoid found in the red algae called Haematococcus pluvialis. Studies show that taking astaxanthin with other carotenoids protects against free radical-induced DNA damage, repairs UVA-irradiated cells, and inhibits inflammatory cell infiltration. Astaxanthin also helps support vascular health within the eye and improves visual acuity. Astaxanthin may play a preventative role in eye fatigue. Human clinical trials by Japanese scientists demonstrated that astaxanthin is effective in reducing bleary-eye feeling, a tendency toward irritation, and preventing eye strain resulting from accommodative dysfunction. With a special combination of ingredients that targets eye strain and protects visual acuity, Super Zeaxanthin with Lutein & Meso-zeaxanthin Plus Astaxanthin is an exciting breakthrough in eye care. | | | |  | | Life Extension Update | | What's Hot | | Life Extension Magazine® | |
